Abdulsalam Abubakar has assumed command as the 15th Theatre Commander, North-East Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai.

Mr Abubakar took over from Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu.

Mr Abubakar, who took over from his predecessor at a handover ceremony in the Theatre Command Headquarters, Maiduguri, was, until his new appointment, deputy commandant and director of Studies at the National Defence College, Abuja.

He has previously served as commander of Sector 3 OPHK and the Multinational Joint Task Force in Monguno, commander of Sector 1 OPHK Maiduguri, general officer commanding 7 Division, GOC 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven.

In his farewell remarks, Mr Shaibu thanked the officers and men of the theatre command for their support and cooperation during his tenure. 

He described his time in the command as a journey filled with extensive operations in terrorists’ enclaves, stressing the importance of sustained professionalism and dedication to honour fallen heroes.

He urged the troops to extend their loyalty and support to his successor, whom he described as a veteran of the counter-terrorism operations in the theatre.

(NAN)